Holistic Dentistry

In dentistry, the range of philosophies, techniques, and practices varies almost as much as the medical field at-large. Just like in standard medicine, dentistry has a whole sector of practices commonly known as “holistic dentistry,” very similar to “holistic medicine,” which deserves in some respects attention and scrutiny. Otherwise known as biological dentistry, biologic dentistry, alternative dentistry, and several other names, holistic dentistry is a practice that is uncommon but growing steadily in dental medicine. The important concept is “holistic,” which in this context means being geared toward whole-body, or in some cases emotional and spiritual health, in tandem with […]

Substance abuse impacts our bodies in many ways — none of them positive. In addition to poorly affecting the liver, heart, lungs and skin, oral health can suffer severely as a consequence of heavy drug use. There are a thousand reasons to avoid drug use, but knowing what drugs do to your teeth should be a strong deterrent for anyone considering it. For active addicts, it’s important to get help now and begin the recovery process to prevent further damage to teeth and gums. Addicts less likely to seek dental health care The simplest reason that many drug users suffer […]

Could Internationally Popular Soda Taxes Come to Australia? Taxes on soda and other sugary drinks are increasing in popularity as a public health measure. Could these taxes have an impact on global dental health? As Australia weighs the pros and cons of implementing a soda tax, it’s important to look at how similar taxes are designed — and how effective they are — around the world. We all know that soda is not the best beverage for our allover health. A liter of Pepsi packs in 65.7 grams of sugar, while a liter of Mountain Dew tops the charts with a […]

Gluten, Dairy and Your Dental Health Whether it’s prompted by a medical condition, an intolerance or simply personal choice, many people have begun examining their diets and eliminating certain foods. Gluten and dairy are common products that people have stopped consuming or cut down on. Changing your diet can have many effects on your body, including your teeth. In this article we’ll take a look at how these foods — and the absence of them — can affect your dental health. How does gluten affect teeth? In people with celiac disease, consuming gluten actually blocks absorption of certain essential vitamins […]

Anyone who’s been to the dentist before has heard all about the benefits of flossing. A daily flossing habit is crucial for removing tartar buildup, preventing gum disease and protecting teeth from decay. But understanding the importance of flossing and actually getting into the habit of doing it regularly are two different things. Even though getting in the habit of flossing only adds an extra few minutes to your nighttime routine, when you’re tired and you just want to go to bed, it can still feel like a lot of work to do in addition to brushing your teeth. To […]

It’s long been understood that whenever possible, preventative measures are far better and cheaper than treating a problem that’s already developed. Basic preventative measures like brushing and flossing are already a part of most people’s daily oral care routine. But others, such as getting dental sealants, are too costly for some people to afford despite their well-documented positive effect on cavity prevention. To address this issue and help increase children’s access to preventative oral care, school districts across the US in low socioeconomic areas have begun offering programs that provide subsidized dental sealants to kids while they’re at school. According […]

Get The Facts On Gum Disease Gum disease is more appropriately called “periodontal disease.” It is a key cause of tooth loss and it is linked to other dangerous diseases, like diabetes and heart (cardio) issues. Symptoms of gum disease include swollen, red, and bleeding gums. These also are the early signs of gum disease. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) this unfortunate “link” to other diseases has been confirmed by multiple studies. AAP also states there are different types of gum disease. What Is Gum Disease and Its Forms? Gum disease typically involves plaque that has spread […]

There’s a New Reason to Protect Yourself Against Plaque Gum diseases caused by the damaging effects of tartar and plaque have long been a concern for many people. Periodontal disease, if allowed to progress, can result in bone loss and loosening of the teeth. It becomes more and more painful to treat as it worsens; skin grafts or even tooth removal can be necessary if gum disease is not addressed early on. But scientists have also identified other consequences of poor gum health that extend beyond the mouth. A link has been identified between gum disease and heart disease, for […]

What You Need to Know About Geriatric Dental Care On the surface, when it comes to geriatric dental care the news is good: aging Americans are keeping their teeth longer into their lives, and maintaining more of them, too. It’s definitely a victory for the dental health field that tooth removal and reliance on dentures is becoming less and less common. But the state of elderly dental care still has problems, and these are actually becoming more pronounced now that more elderly people are keeping their natural teeth. Dentistry professionals are speaking out about the specific concerns relating to the […]

Though fads and styles come and go, oral piercings remain a popular alternative style choice. Lip piercings, tongue piercings and cheek piercings are the most common, but it’s safe to say that any spot that can be pierced has been by someone — including under the tongue, inside the lips, and even the uvula! When deciding whether or not to get a piercing, most people consider the appearance, pain level, maintenance and price. However, dentists are speaking out and urging oral piercing enthusiasts to also take their dental health into consideration. When thinking about oral piercings, dental hygiene might not […]

Looking for a Dentist in Port Macquarie?

We are a family friendly practice providing a comprehensive range of dental services in a warm and friendly environment. We're located in Port Macquarie, NSW and offer everything from from basic Family Dentistry through to Cosmetic Dental Procedures including Smile Makeovers. Treating patients as we would treat a Guest in our own home. I invite you to phone and talk to my friendly staff to learn of the many Cosmetic Dentistry options that we can offer to you.